AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Auckland City FC, fresh from clinching their fourth consecutive OFC Champions League title in Honiara, and their 13th overall, return to domestic action with a challenging Northern League clash against Birkenhead United at Shepherds Park on Good Friday.
17 April 2025
This fixture revisits the thrilling showdown in the 2024 National League grand final, where the Navy Blues emerged triumphant with a dramatic 2-1 win in extra time.
After enduring sapping conditions in the Solomon Islands across five matches in just over two weeks, Paul Posa's squad now faces the task of readjusting to New Zealand's cooler climate as they eye a return to winning ways in the local league. Auckland City FC currently sit second on the table, just a point ahead of Birkenhead United and trailing league leaders Auckland United by two points.
Birkenhead have started the 2025 campaign in fine form, unbeaten with two wins and two draws from their four matches. The matchup at Shepherds Park promises to be fiercely contested, with the Navy Blues aiming to maintain their impressive record against Birkenhead—a rivalry marked by dominant wins but also tightly fought battles.
Recent Head-to-Head Results:
01.12.24: Auckland City 2-1 Birkenhead (AET)
29.09.24: Auckland City 3-1 Birkenhead
18.09.24: Auckland City 4-2 Birkenhead (AET)
Myer Bevan, Auckland City's prolific striker, shared his thoughts on the upcoming match: "It’s been an unbelievable few weeks with the boys. The conditions in Honiara were tough, but I think it got us prepared quicker for the season. Birkenhead are a very strong, disciplined team, and we know we’ll have to break them down with our usual style of play. The boys are fit, focused, and ready to go—it’s all about getting our legs moving again and preparing the best we can for Friday."
The scene is set for another thrilling encounter at Shepherds Park. With two in-form teams going head-to-head, football fans can expect an entertaining showdown this Good Friday.
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MATCH DETAILS
Northern League R5
Friday, 18 April
birkenhead united AFC vs Auckland City FC
Shepherds Park
Kick-off: 3:00pm
AC SQUAD: 1. Conor TRACEY (GK) 2. Mario ILICH (C) 3. Adam MITCHELL 4. Christian GRAY 5. Nikko BOXALL 6. Kailan GOULD, 7. Myer BEVAN 8. Gerard GARRIGA 9. Angus KILKOLLY 10. Dylan MANICKUM 11. Ryan DE VRIES 12. Regont MURATI 13. Nathan LOBO 14. Jordan VALE, 15. Jackson MANUEL, 16. Joe LEE 17. Jerson LAGOS 18. Areya PRASAD (GK) 19. Dylan CONNOLY, 20. Matt ELLIS, 21. Adam BELL 22. Tong ZHOU 23. Alfie ROGERS, 24. Nathan GARROW (GK) 25. Michael DEN HEIJER, 26. David YOO, 27. Haris ZEB, 28. Otto INGHAM, 29. Kentaro OZAKI, 30. Jeremy FOO, 31. Ryan ELLIS, 32. Paris DOMFEH
Head Coach: Paul Posa
Assistant Coach: Ivan Vicelich
Assistant Coach: Adria Casals
GK Coach: Jonas Hoffmann
Physiotherapist: Matt Payne
Team Manager: Keith Coton
